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Guu Original Thurlow, Vancouver, BC

Guu Original Thurlow

4.7 (374)
CAN$30 and under
Japanese
838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

  • Lively
  • Healthy
  • Neighborhood gem
*Please note that our patio is not allowed to serve any alcoholic drinks due to the license we have.

Guu Original on Thurlow is where the Izakaya boom started. It’s not only the first Guu to open, but is the very first Izakaya in Vancouver.

Established in 1993 as “Raku” & changed to “Guu” in 2000, this Guu offers the most authentic Izakaya experience, offering classic dishes like Yaki Udon & Oden. This is as close you’ll get to the real deal….unless you fly to Japan.


We keep seats for walk-in customers as well. No available seats on OpenTable do not mean we are fully booked. Please be aware that the time-limited per table is two hours during peak hours.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Cross street
    Robson
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Canada Line: get off at Vancouver City Center station and 10 min walk Sky Train: get off at Burrard station and 8 min walk #005 bus, the closest stop is Robson + Thurlow
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine

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What 374 people are saying

Guu Original Thurlow reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Guu Original Thurlow offers a "unique and tasty" dining experience with "fresh food" and "great atmosphere." The staff is "friendly and welcoming," enhancing the "authentic cultural experience." While some dishes might take longer to arrive, the "fantastic service" and "delicious food" generally make up for any delays.
374 Reviews
  1. Paul VIP

    Vancouver / British Columbia13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is the original Guu, that was called Raku even before that, back in the 90s. I like all the Guu restaurants, but this one has the most authentic feel. Not greta for big groups, go to Toramasa Guu for that. I love chicken karaage, and this location makes the best off all the Guus! When you eat at Original Guu you will feel like you are in Japan!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Jane

    Vancouver / British Columbia4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    I always love eating at Guu! The food is fresh , unique, and tasty...and the staff have great energy, always making me feeling welcome.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Steven

    Vancouver / British Columbia1 review

    3.0

    Dined on June 6, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Nice restaurant but took a very long time to receive my food whereas my partner got his right away and was done for quite some time before a server came around to check in and I had said I hadn’t received my food yet. We ended up leaving and I ate somewhere else.

    Is this helpful?

  4. RAFFAELE

    Vancouver / British Columbia2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    If you need a place to recharge your batteries and enjoy a tasty meal with a great vibe, this is one of Vancouver’s best spots. The staff is friendly and welcoming—just order from their ousume menu, sip a fresh beer, and let the atmosphere fill your soul.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Jack

    Vancouver / British Columbia1 review

    5.0

    Dined on May 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, great atmosphere, nice dishes! Came for birthday dinner, everything went well!

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  6. Maria

    Dallas - Fort Worth6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on May 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great variety Happy place Yummy food We really enjoyed our meal

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  7. Julia

    Vancouver / British Columbia3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on April 21, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Have emailed Direct review to restaurant. Food was great.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Madi

    Vancouver / British Columbia1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place! Food is outstanding, service is friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere. Definitely an authentic cultural experience.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Shauna

    Vancouver / British Columbia35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 4, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Fantastic service and delicious food! The kimchi rice is so good, full of flavour and just the right amount of spice. I reserved a window spot and we got sat at the bar by a big party that was really loud. But the excellent service and food made up for it.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    Vancouver / British Columbia1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Good food , have to reserve seat a bit earlier Incase

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Guu Original Thurlow does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Guu Original Thurlow is rated 4.7 stars by 374 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Vancouver / British Columbia
  4. Vancouver
  5. Downtown

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Google Map for Guu Original Thurlow

838 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Robson
  • Neighborhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 am–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am Lunch Daily 11:30 am–2:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Tapas / Small Plates, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Canada Line: get off at Vancouver City Center station and 10 min walk Sky Train: get off at Burrard station and 8 min walk #005 bus, the closest stop is Robson + Thurlow
  • Payment options
    AMEX, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wine
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